http://www.allegheny.edu
Gators Win 61-42 on the Road
January 19, 2005
Hiram, Ohio - An off shooting night by the Gators didn’t seem to penalize them, as they defeated Hiram (Ohio) College 61-42 on the road in women’s basketball action Wednesday evening. Allegheny is now 11-5 and 4-4, while Hiram falls to 6-9 and 1-6 in NCAC play.
The Terriers opened the game with a 4-2 lead but the Gators used 10 points off 16 turnovers to turn their fortunes around. The Gators took an 18-9 lead and went on to a 29-21 halftime lead behind six points and three steals off the bench from junior forward Kristen Lyzen (Brook Park, Ohio/Midpark).
Senior forward Meredith McDonough (Pittsburgh, Pa./Oakland Catholic) was double-teamed in the post but grabbed five first half offensive rebounds that led to seven points to help Allegheny’s cause.
Following an opening half basket by McDonough, the Gators scored on five of their next nine possessions to extend their lead to 39-23.
Hiram’s Cassie Bedard returned in the second half after a first half injury to keep the Terriers within striking distance, making the score 44-32 at the 10:17 mark with two baskets in four possessions.
Despite a scoring drought by Allegheny for four minutes, the Gators never lost control, as Hiram couldn’t capitalize, scoring just four points during that time.
The Gators used a 19-10 scoring run to end the game, holding the Terriers to just 21 second half points.
McDonough recorded a near double-double for the game with nine points and 10 rebounds. Junior guard Caitlin Murtagh (Bethel Park, Pa./Seton-LaSalle) was the game's high scorer with 13 points. Junior forward Courtney Steding (McDonald, Pa./Fort Cherry) hit six of seven free throws down the stretch in the second half on her way to eight points for the game. Junior Meghan Vasilisin (Munhall, Pa./Oakland Catholic) grabbed seven rebounds off the bench and dished out three assists.
Bedard finished with a team-high 12 points for the Terriers and also pulled down nine boards to lead her squad.
The Gators are off again until Wednesday, January 26 when they host a rematch with the College of Wooster (Ohio) at 7:30 p.m. at the Wise Center.